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The California Questionnaire: Jeremy Jones

The professional snowboarder’s biggest conundrum is deciding which Sierra Nevada adventure to tackle next

As a pioneer of big mountain snowboarding, professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones has climbed treacherous backcountry peaks all over the world just for the thrill of the free ride down. Beyond his extreme mountain adventures, Jones is also the founder of Jones Snowboards and leader of Protect Our Winters, a non-profit focused on combating the effects of climate change. In 2012, National Geographic magazine nominated Jones for Adventurer of the Year based on his achievements in exploration, conservation, humanitarianism, and adventure sports.

As a Truckee resident, Jones is always trying to solve his “wonderful problem” of deciding which peak to climb, mountain to ride, or lake to paddle in in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Why there? It’s the combination of incredible winters with amazing mountains and awesome summers filled with lake time. It’s the best of both worlds! The coast is just a few hours away so I can surf too. Having mountains for snowboarding and waves for surfing in a condensed area makes California one of the most unique places in the world—and that’s why I ended up here!

Who or what is your greatest California love? The Sierra Nevada mountain range. The more time I spend in those mountains, the more special it becomes to me. I’ve been snowboarding for 20 years in the Sierras and I can ride a different mountain every day. I call it the “wonderful problem”—every time I climb a peak I’ve wanted to climb, I look out and see 20 more that I want to climb. It seems like there is an infinite amount of backcountry to explore in the Sierras!

What is the biggest misperception about Californians? That it’s really crowded and that there is this “Cali cool” attitude. It’s really easy to get into some beautiful remote wilderness areas and experience nature or explore some backwoods towns with a cool old vibe.

What is the stereotype that most holds true? That the weather is amazing. There is no mud season or off-season, we go for months without clouds, and come winter it is either snowing or sunny.

What is your favourite Golden State splurge? Going to the farmers’ market. Every time I go I end up with five times more food than I need just because of how amazing everything is. California has the best farmers’ markets. I leave with bags of fruits, nuts, veggies, salmon…you name it.

Time for a road trip—where are you going? My ideal road trip is spending plenty of time in the eastern Sierras, camping in Yosemite, and then camping on the coast somewhere. The key is getting that incredible California diversity all in on one trip!

If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? My favorite California food is definitely wild-caught salmon. I love fish and I’ve had it all over the world, but Cali-caught salmon is still my favorite!

Best California song?Jerry Garcia sums up the vibe of California—at least the California that I’m into. His music embodies the freedom and beauty that surrounds you. It makes the perfect soundtrack on my road trips. A close second is Neil Young. Especially “The Old Laughing Lady.”

How would your California dream day unfold? Recently my friends and family and I have been getting into linking up a bunch of different sports. I’ve done like eight different sports in one day! But the ultimate would be to wake up before the sun rises, snowboard some remote peak and then end my day paddleboarding on a lake or even surfing on the coast. It all comes down to the best of both worlds all in one day. This is what makes California so unique, and why I’ve ended up calling this place home…and I have no plans to leave!

Snow-covered peaks in winter, gushing waterfalls in spring, wildflower meadows and glistening lakes in summer, vibrant colours in fall—this is a land of dramatic and wild beauty. World-class mountain resorts circling turquoise-blue Lake Tahoe, and at Mammoth Lakes cater to all, with scenic ski trails in winter and trails and vistas in summer.

Yosemite Valley…is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and gold and wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space.” --photographer Ansel Adams

Yosemite National Park, a World Heritage Site, is here, roughly 3½ hours east of San Francisco. Whether you hike a mountain, ski the steeps, or lounge in a hot tub beneath a canopy of stars, you’ll find your perfect getaway.

Trip
6-7 days
10 stops

Sierra Adventure

Blue as a topaz and circled by majestic peaks, this High Sierra gem straddling the California-Nevada border is a bucket-list staple, a place where the air is “very pure and fine...it is the same the angels breathe,” according to author Mark Twain. Lakefront towns dot the shoreline, each with...

On your way to this park, save time to visit the charming Gold Country town of Murphys (a great place for wine tasting and innovative dining along the town’s main street). Then continue north and east to discover peaceful groves of giant...

With a pine-and-peak alpine setting and a relaxed and friendly ambiance, this appealing event in Bear Valley, roughly halfway between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, includes performances by outstanding musical artists. Launched in 1967, the festival features a full symphony orchestra, international soloists, and legendary entertainers at pretty outdoor venues. Classical works, opera, Broadway show tunes, and opening weekend acts of contemporary and country music are offered, with past guest artists ranging from the Mamas and the Papas, to Big Bad Voodoo Daddies.

Regions

Pick a region form the map or the list below to explore.

Regions

Scroll down to explore the twelve regions of California.

1. Shasta Cascade

This region, in California’s northeast corner, is known for mountains, forests, waterfalls, and amazing, safe-to-visit volcanoes. The region, a 3-hour drive north of Sacramento, gets its name from the rugged Cascade Mountains and their signature peak in state, 14,180-foot/4,322-meter Mount Shasta—yes, a volcano.

Highlights

2. North Coast

With crashing waves along the coast and soaring redwood trees blanketing miles of uncrowded parkland, this is one of California’s most spectacular regions. The largest city, Eureka, is roughly a 5-hour drive north of San Francisco—but what a drive: see lush wine country, charming hamlets, spouting whales, and breath-taking sunsets.

Highlights

3. Gold Country

The western foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range, defining California’s eastern border, are known as the Gold Country, named after the rich Mother Lode discovered here in the mid-1850s. While gold is still found in the region, new riches include top museums and art in Sacramento, the state capital, plus white-water rafting, tucked-away towns, farm-fresh dining, and award-winning wines.

Highlights

4. San Francisco Bay Area

On the western oceanfront of Northern California, at the state’s distinctive bend along the coast, lies this breath-taking region. It’s framed by an unforgettable gateway—the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—spanning the mouth of San Francisco Bay. Explore diverse cities, picturesque hamlets, family-friendly beaches, coastal parklands, and wine country, including Napa and Sonoma wine country, 1½ hours north of San Francisco.

5. High Sierra

Nicknamed “California’s backbone,” this region of towering granite peaks defines much of the state’s eastern boundary. Visit Yosemite Valley, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, and the giant trees of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks—all within a day’s drive of either San Francisco or L.A. In winter, enjoy snow sports; in summer, go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or boating.

Highlights

6. Central Valley

Running right down the middle of California, this broad region contains some of most productive farmland in the world. Wine country around Lodi features big, bold reds. Further south, Fresno has a lively arts scene.

8. Deserts

This dramatic region takes up the south-eastern half of the state. Remarkable desert parklands, including Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Anza-Borrego, provide an extraordinary chance to explore, while the oasis-like allure of Palm Springs, 3 hours northeast of San Diego, offers sunny resort-style getaways, with golf, tennis, spas, and high end shopping.

Highlights

9. Inland Empire

This densely populated Southern California region has surprising alpine getaways, like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, in the impressive San Bernardino Range. On the region’s sunny east side, explore the inviting Temecula Valley wine region. The university town of Riverside is the region’s largest city. San Bernardino, the second largest city, has museums and impressive shopping, while Fontana has NASCAR racing.

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10. Los Angeles County

This sunny region along the state’s southern coast is California’s most populated region, best known as the capital of the entertainment industry. Here, film stars really do work in Hollywood, play in the surf at Malibu, and shop in Beverly Hills. Looping motorways make the car king, but the region also has a surprisingly good network of buses and light rail, a hassle-free way to explore.

Highlights

11. Orange County

Tucked between San Diego and Los Angeles Counties, this region is known for flawless beaches and “the happiest place on earth,” Disneyland Resort. Anaheim, the theme park’s home, offers a surprisingly hip vibe in a refurbished downtown. Newport Beach has dazzling yachts, Huntington Beach has iconic surfing, and Costa Mesa beckons with top shopping.

Highlights

12. San Diego County

This sun-and-surf region is known for some of the best weather and warmest water in the state. San Diego, the state’s second largest city, is home to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, one of the world’s great urban parks. For family fun, play at SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. Inland, discover surprising mountain towns like Julian, known for orchards and apple pie.